Lodging Staff – LODGINGhttp://lodgingmagazine.com
Official Publication of AHLA. LODGING covers hotel news and hospitality industry stories.Thu, 24 May 2018 15:41:38 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.6Frictionless Guest App, a Curated Digital Conciergehttp://lodgingmagazine.com/app-watch-frictionless-guest-app/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/app-watch-frictionless-guest-app/#respondThu, 24 May 2018 15:27:46 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=38377Meant to take the place of brochures, the Frictionless Guest App is a 24/7, curated digital concierge that directs guests to local food and experiences and can be accessed via phone, tablet, and PC. Hoteliers customize the app to spotlight neighboring restaurants and attractions that they know guests will enjoy. The app can be accessed by guests anytime on their personal devices and offers users maps with navigation to local attractions, as well as a ...

]]>Meant to take the place of brochures, the Frictionless Guest App is a 24/7, curated digital concierge that directs guests to local food and experiences and can be accessed via phone, tablet, and PC. Hoteliers customize the app to spotlight neighboring restaurants and attractions that they know guests will enjoy. The app can be accessed by guests anytime on their personal devices and offers users maps with navigation to local attractions, as well as a phone number that lets them reach the hotel with any additional questions or concerns.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/app-watch-frictionless-guest-app/feed/0Three Hospitality Companies Among Best Employers for Veteranshttp://lodgingmagazine.com/three-hospitality-companies-among-best-employers-veterans/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/three-hospitality-companies-among-best-employers-veterans/#respondThu, 24 May 2018 14:30:14 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=38369Military Times named three hospitality companies among its top 100 “Best for Vets Employers” for 2018, an annual ranking of companies throughout the United States that serves as a resource for veterans. The rankings are a result of a months-long process in which companies fill out a rigorous, 90-question survey evaluating their culture, recruitment, and policies for veterans, service members, and military families. Military Times then tests to ensure the accuracy of responses and carefully ...

]]>Military Times named three hospitality companies among its top 100 “Best for Vets Employers” for 2018, an annual ranking of companies throughout the United States that serves as a resource for veterans. The rankings are a result of a months-long process in which companies fill out a rigorous, 90-question survey evaluating their culture, recruitment, and policies for veterans, service members, and military families. Military Times then tests to ensure the accuracy of responses and carefully evaluates survey data. Hilton, La Quinta Inn & Suites, and G6 Hospitality made the top 100 list for veteran-friendly employers.

“The companies on the Military Times “Best for Vets” list earned their rankings through determined efforts to recruit and support service members, veterans, and military families,” says George Altman, the Military Times editor in charge of the rankings. “These efforts deserve recognition from the country and should get the attention of veterans looking for a new career.”

Hilton ranked 17th on the list. Three percent of the company’s employees are veterans, and 37 percent of its recruiting budget focuses on veterans, according to Military Times. Hilton’s policies that allow veterans to work remotely, provide flexible scheduling, and give the option to transfer to another location contributed to its ranking. Last year, the company committed to hiring 20,000 veterans, military family, and caregivers by 2020.

La Quinta Inn & Suites ranked 29th on Military Times‘ list of veteran-friendly employers. Three percent of its staff are veterans, and it also has policies to allow veterans to work remotely, have flexible scheduling, and transfer to other locations. Nearly half (47 percent) of its recruiting budget focused on veterans, according to Military Times.

G6 Hospitality, the parent company of brands Motel 6 and Studio 6, ranked on the “Best for Vets Employers” list for the first time this year at number 43. Three percent of the company’s employees are veterans, and it, too, offers options to work remotely, have flexible scheduling, and transfer to other locations. Of its recruiting budget, 15 percent focused on veterans. Since launching in 2014, G6 Hospitality’s company-wide military initiative, Operation Next Step, has surpassed its initial hiring goals by recruiting nearly 1,300 veterans and military spouses and integrating them into the workforce.

“As a former Air Force captain, I can attest to G6 Hospitality’s well-deserved ranking as one of the top employers for former military members through our highly successful Operation Next Step program,” says Jessie Burgess, Chief Information Officer at G6 Hospitality. “Those who choose to protect our country have a heart for service, and we’re proud to employ strong veterans and military spouses around the country who embody those same values to strengthen our organization.”

Military Times includes Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times, and Marine Corps Times. The company is part of Sightline Media Group, a Regent company.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/three-hospitality-companies-among-best-employers-veterans/feed/0This Week’s Comings & Goings | May 24, 2018http://lodgingmagazine.com/weeks-comings-goings-may-24-2018/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/weeks-comings-goings-may-24-2018/#respondThu, 24 May 2018 13:05:33 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=38366Red Roof has announced that Ted Hutchins will join the brand as chief information officer. Hutchins will be responsible for establishing overall IT strategy and directing daily IT operations. He will oversee a broad range of technological advancements for the brand, with a major focus on self-service development. For a look at other notable hospitality comings and goings that took place this week, click here.

]]>Red Roof has announced that Ted Hutchins will join the brand as chief information officer. Hutchins will be responsible for establishing overall IT strategy and directing daily IT operations. He will oversee a broad range of technological advancements for the brand, with a major focus on self-service development.

For a look at other notable hospitality comings and goings that took place this week, click here.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/weeks-comings-goings-may-24-2018/feed/0On the Move: This Week’s Comings and Goingshttp://lodgingmagazine.com/move-weeks-comings-goings-15/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/move-weeks-comings-goings-15/#respondThu, 24 May 2018 12:53:30 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=38363Red Roof has announced that Ted Hutchins will join the brand as chief information officer. Hutchins will be responsible for establishing overall IT strategy and directing daily IT operations. He will oversee a broad range of technological advancements for the brand, with a major focus on self-service development. Here’s a look at other notable comings and goings that took place this week. Salamander Hotels & Resorts welcomes John Speers to lead the operational of the ...

]]>Red Roof has announced that Ted Hutchins will join the brand as chief information officer. Hutchins will be responsible for establishing overall IT strategy and directing daily IT operations. He will oversee a broad range of technological advancements for the brand, with a major focus on self-service development.

Here’s a look at other notable comings and goings that took place this week.

Salamander Hotels & Resorts welcomes John Speers to lead the operational of the southeastern-centralized portfolio as vice president of operations. Speers most recently served as senior vice president of Capital Properties and in his tenure was general manager of Faena Hotels in Miami Beach.

Michael Goldrich will develop brand positioning and digital strategies as vice president of marketing for Denihan Hospitality. Goldrich’s background is in digital marketing and ecommerce and he will oversee public relations, advertising, and social media efforts.

Real estate investment and management company Oxygen Hospitality Group has named Yaron Ashkenazi CEO. Ashkenazi joins Oxygen from GCH Hotel Group in Berlin, Germany, where he served as CEO. Ashkenazi there repositioned the GCH portfolio of 120 hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Austria.

Robert Mickey, as senior director of regional operations and general manager of The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Mass., will lead operations for the property, as well as support regional administration for Main Street Hospitality. With 20 years of hospitality experience, Mickey most recently worked with Old Edwards Hospitaltiy Group.

Michael Stephens will find new business ventures and deliver optimal guest services following the renovation of Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego, Calif., as managing director. Stephens held multiple management positions with Hyatt Hotels prior to Paradise Point.

The Mayfair Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles will debut renovations in June with Peter Kolla leading the team as general manager. Kolla will oversee budgets, marketing plans, and operations prior to the launch. Before The Mayfair, Kolla served as general manager for multiple Crescent Hotels & Resorts properties.

Kevin Kruse will lead operational teams as general manager for The Bristol Hotel, the first boutique property in Bristol, Va. Kruse is a United States Marine Corps and luxury hotel veteran and brings over 30 years of international hospitality experience to the community.

Joanna McCreary is returning to W Austin as general manager. She had previously served the property as director of rooms. McCreary has 16 years of hospitality management experience with W Hotels, and in her tenure, has opened many properties for the brand, including re-opening W New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

The Estate Yountville culinary team welcomes Katie Cotton as director of catering and conferencing services, where she will work in meeting and event planning, as well as helping to implement new catering menus. Cotton has coordinated many high-profile events, such as celebrity weddings and professional sports events, thorughout her career.

As head of ecommerce for Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Mike Wylie will lead digital marketing, electronic efforts, and third-party online travel agents. Wylie previously led ecommerce efforts for both Hilton and Wyndham, and launched a digital marketing agency named Standing Dog Interactive.

Benchmark announced that Jake Davis has been promoted area director of revenue for Houston property The Woodlands. Davis has worked for Benchmark since 2016 as a revenue analyst.

Christina Hassan has joined Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, hospitality group as partner. Hassan primarily works in global commercial real estate with an emphasis on hospitality and lodging. She also owns her own company where she advises developers, hotel operators, and private equity funds on financial and real estate ventures.

Gene Smallwood will become general manager of The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa. In addition, Warren Martineau will serve as director of sales for the property.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai in Hawaii is welcoming a leisure travel sales team. Joseph Bell will serve as travel industry sales manager, and Kristy Daley and Ashlea Varca will both be senior travel industry sales managers. All will oversee sales for the currently under-renovation property.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/move-weeks-comings-goings-15/feed/0Wyndham Hotels Expands Stay Well Rooms Across U.S. Brand Portfoliohttp://lodgingmagazine.com/wyndham-hotels-expands-stay-well-rooms-across-brand-portfolio/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/wyndham-hotels-expands-stay-well-rooms-across-brand-portfolio/#respondThu, 24 May 2018 05:00:23 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=38360PARSIPPANY, N.J.–Wyndham Hotels and Resorts is engineering its hotel rooms around an elusive concept in travel: a really great night’s sleep. The brand is teaming up with wellness innovator Delos and famous designer Jeffrey Beers to outfit rooms that inspire rest, comfort, and relaxation. The upscale hotel brand launched a new room design prototype with plans to rollout the Stay Well rooms across its U.S. portfolio by 2019. As many as 47 million U.S. adults do ...

]]>PARSIPPANY, N.J.–Wyndham Hotels and Resorts is engineering its hotel rooms around an elusive concept in travel: a really great night’s sleep. The brand is teaming up with wellness innovator Delos and famous designer Jeffrey Beers to outfit rooms that inspire rest, comfort, and relaxation. The upscale hotel brand launched a new room design prototype with plans to rollout the Stay Well rooms across its U.S. portfolio by 2019.

As many as 47 million U.S. adults do not get a restorative night’s sleep on a daily basis daily. For travelers, it’s worse. Evidence shows jet lag, unfamiliar routine, and the general stress of travel contribute to poor sleep and post-travel illness.

“It’s simple: sleep is one of the most critical things we offer our guests,” Kate Ashton, senior vice president, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, says. “Every traveler should be able to wake up ready to conquer the day, so we’re engineering our entire guestroom experience around rest–from wellness-focused environments and calming atmospheres to the simple comforts of a stylish space.”

Wyndham is the first upscale hotel brand committed to offering guests the Stay Well experience at every hotel across its U.S. portfolio by 2019. Endorsed by Dr. Deepak Chopra, founder of The Chopra Foundation and a Delos Advisory Board member, the evidence-based Stay Well rooms by Delos infuse wellness into the room with features that minimize the impact of travel on the body and enhance sleep.

“Travel is stressful on the mind and body, making the hotel room–the space we spend the most time in during our travels–a critical environment for our wellbeing,” notes Chopra. “By making wellness a priority in the makeup of every Wyndham hotel, the Stay Well experience is fundamentally changing the way we travel–for the better.”

Wellness Technologies & Amenities

Stay Well rooms incorporate wellness technologies to help improve indoor air quality, sleep patterns, and physical comfort, as well as reduce exposure to germs and allergens. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts’ wellness experience will include the following:

An air purification system, which circulates filtered air in the guestroom to reduce pollen, odors, allergens, toxins, and other pollutants from the air;

Aromatherapy with optional scents to improve ambiance and mood while promoting relaxation;

Circadian lighting that allows a personalized room light environment that emulates the color of natural outdoor light to enhance sleep quality, energy levels, and productivity with settings like circadian, energize, relax, and play;

A dawn simulator alarm clock that simulates a sunrise, allowing for a more natural waking process through the use of gradual increasing light;

The move comes coupled with a complete redesign for the brand’s interior by renowned interior architecture and design firm Jeffrey Beers International (JBI). By leveraging soothing blues and muted grays, balancing clean lines and soft curves, and centralizing the room around the bed, the room is designed to promote comfort.

“At JBI we always think first about the guest experience: how people feel when they enter a space,” says Architect Jeffrey Beers, founder and CEO of Jeffrey Beers International (JBI). “We’ve designed with this in mind–how the room balances between clean, modern lines and soft curves. This balance creates a feeling of tranquility and invites you to breathe a sigh of relief when you close the door behind you.”

Modern elements include magnetic charging stations by the bed and noise-reducing fabric panels, while design contributions like serene abstract wall art and carpet weaving both color and texture like ocean waves create an atmosphere of overall calm. The layout of the room itself, with the bed as its central focus, supplements its most important function: a space for sleep.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/wyndham-hotels-expands-stay-well-rooms-across-brand-portfolio/feed/0Crestline Hotels to Invest $300 Million in Acquisitions and Morehttp://lodgingmagazine.com/crestline-hotels-invest-300-million-acquisition-investments/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/crestline-hotels-invest-300-million-acquisition-investments/#respondWed, 23 May 2018 14:26:04 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=38339FAIRFAX, Va.–Third-party management company Crestline Hotels & Resorts, LLC, announced the creation of a $300 million fund that Crestline will use to acquire hotels and invest in properties with strategic capital partners. The company says that the goal of these investments is to continue the steady growth of its management portfolio. Crestline will be investing $150 million of equity and is targeting 50 percent debt for the fund. “We are actively identifying investment opportunities for ...

]]>FAIRFAX, Va.–Third-party management company Crestline Hotels & Resorts, LLC, announced the creation of a $300 million fund that Crestline will use to acquire hotels and invest in properties with strategic capital partners. The company says that the goal of these investments is to continue the steady growth of its management portfolio. Crestline will be investing $150 million of equity and is targeting 50 percent debt for the fund.

“We are actively identifying investment opportunities for our new fund within the upscale and upper-upscale hospitality segments,” James Carroll, Crestline’s president and CEO, says. “Crestline will use the fund and our management expertise to convert underperforming hotels into lucrative investments that outperform their competitive sets. The fund has flexible investment parameters, allowing us to acquire hotels, invest in joint ventures, provide mezzanine financing, and we will consider entering into long-term leases or performance guarantees. We’ve been very successful steadily growing our management business with our current owners based on our strong track record; and this fund will open up new opportunities for us to spur even greater growth of our management portfolio.”

“We are very excited about launching this fund and investing directly into our management portfolio,” Kevin Coyer, director of investment and development for Crestline, adds. “I look forward to talking with owners and investors about how we can provide capital and expertise to turn hotels into better-performing investments.”

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/crestline-hotels-invest-300-million-acquisition-investments/feed/0IMPRINT Hospitality Repositions Super 8 as Loyal Duke Lodgehttp://lodgingmagazine.com/imprint-hospitality-repositions-super-8-as-loyal-duke-lodge-in-salida-colorado/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/imprint-hospitality-repositions-super-8-as-loyal-duke-lodge-in-salida-colorado/#respondWed, 23 May 2018 14:08:39 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=38336Denver-based IMPRINT Hospitality, a full-service hotel and restaurant management company that specializes in lifestyle and luxury properties, announced that it has acquired the former 52-room Super 8 in Salida, Colorado. The company is repositioning the property to an independent lifestyle hotel named the Loyal Duke Lodge. IMPRINT functioned as the sponsor on the deal and will be the operator, making it property number three for the company. CooperWynn provided acquisition advisory services. Over the next ...

]]>Denver-based IMPRINT Hospitality, a full-service hotel and restaurant management company that specializes in lifestyle and luxury properties, announced that it has acquired the former 52-room Super 8 in Salida, Colorado. The company is repositioning the property to an independent lifestyle hotel named the Loyal Duke Lodge.

IMPRINT functioned as the sponsor on the deal and will be the operator, making it property number three for the company. CooperWynn provided acquisition advisory services.

Over the next few months, upgrades and special touches will be added to the property. In partnership with dash design, a full renovation will be conducted in the Fall of 2018 with completion expected prior to the 2018-2019 Winter season.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/imprint-hospitality-repositions-super-8-as-loyal-duke-lodge-in-salida-colorado/feed/0Hilton Set Targets to Halve Environmental Footprint by 2030http://lodgingmagazine.com/hilton-sets-targets-reduce-carbon-emissions-paris-climate-agreement/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/hilton-sets-targets-reduce-carbon-emissions-paris-climate-agreement/#respondWed, 23 May 2018 13:54:47 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=38333Hilton announced on Wednesday that it will become the first major hotel chain to release science-based targets for reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement. Hilton’s “Travel with Purpose” corporate responsibility strategy aims to cut its environmental footprint in half globally and double its social impact investments by 2030. The social impact investments will focus on local initiatives across the globe, including sourcing from local and minority-owned suppliers, and programs to empower women ...

]]>Hilton announced on Wednesday that it will become the first major hotel chain to release science-based targets for reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement. Hilton’s “Travel with Purpose” corporate responsibility strategy aims to cut its environmental footprint in half globally and double its social impact investments by 2030. The social impact investments will focus on local initiatives across the globe, including sourcing from local and minority-owned suppliers, and programs to empower women and young people.

A recent study found that the tourism industry accounted for about 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2013, and its share had been rising beyond previously predicted levels. Hilton’s commitments deliver on a joint call in April from its President and CEO Christopher Nassetta, the newly appointed World Travel & Tourism Council chairman, and Patricia Espinosa, the United Nation’s executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, for members of the travel industry to commit to following the Paris Climate Agreement and incorporate the objectives into actionable science-based targets.

On top of aligning itself with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, consumer research shows that the company’s customers support these goals. According to a survey of 72,000 Hilton guests, social, environmental, and ethical considerations are central to their buying preferences, especially those younger than 25 years old. The six-day survey was conducted in May 2018 and asked travelers if they research a hotel company’s environmental and social efforts. It discovered that 33 percent actively seek this information before booking and of those, 60 percent conduct research even if the information is not easily accessible. Even more travelers under the age of 25 (44 percent) actively seek this information. Leisure travelers (36 percent) are more likely than business travelers (29 percent) to seek this information, and female travelers (39 percent) are more likely than male (29 percent).

When broken down by regions, guests staying in Central/South America (46 percent), the Middle East/Africa (45 percent), Asia Pacific (41 percent), and mainland Europe (35 percent) are more likely to seek this information before booking

“For nearly 100 years, Hilton has been driven by our mission to have a positive impact on the communities surrounding our hotels,” Nassetta says. “In this Golden Age of Travel, we are taking a leadership role to ensure that the destinations where travelers work, relax, learn, and explore are vibrant and resilient for generations of adventurers yet to come.”

Hilton’s new 2030 Goals include the following efforts to cut environmental impact in half; reduce carbon emissions by 61 percent in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and approved by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi); reduce water consumption and produced waste by 50 percent; remove plastic straws from managed properties; sustainably source meat, poultry, produce, seafood, and cotton; and expand existing soap recycling program to all hotels and send zero soap to landfill.

The 2030 Goals also include the following steps to double social investment and drive positive change in communities: double the amount spent with local, small, and minority-owned suppliers; double investment in opportunity programs for women and youth, including partnering with local organizations and schools; contribute 10 million volunteer hours through Team Member initiatives; double monetary support for natural disaster relief efforts; and advance human rights capabilities in Hilton’s value chain to eradicate forced labor and trafficking.

Since 2008, the company has reduced carbon emissions and waste by 30 percent and energy and water consumption by 20 percent, saving more than $1 billion in operating efficiencies. Performance measurement system LightStay calculates, analyzes, and reports the environmental impact at each of Hilton’s more than 5,300 hotels. Hilton will use LightStay to track its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 61 percent across its portfolio by 2030.

“The World Tourism Organization commends Hilton’s focus on sustainability, which is in line with our overall commitment as the UN’s agency that is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism for development worldwide,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). “Hilton has been our partner in this endeavor, raising awareness among customers with examples of best practices for the hospitality industry.”

“Companies play an integral role in solving our climate crisis,” says Sheila Bonini, senior vice president, private sector engagement, World Wildlife Fund. “By committing to significant intensity emissions reductions based on science, Hilton is setting in motion a plan that will have ripple effects across the hospitality industry while providing more sustainable options for travelers.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/hilton-sets-targets-reduce-carbon-emissions-paris-climate-agreement/feed/0Ask Anthony: What Does It Take to Get Your Resume Seen?http://lodgingmagazine.com/ask-anthony-take-make-resume-seen/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/ask-anthony-take-make-resume-seen/#respondWed, 23 May 2018 11:00:11 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=38322Anthony Melchiorri, hotel fixer and host of Travel Channel’s Hotel Impossible, loves dishing out advice. From sharing best practices to tackling operational issues, he’s here to answer your questions. Why don’t I get a response when I send out resumes for jobs I’m qualified for? The days of sending in resumes by email are over. Actually, they were over before they began. Back when you physically put a letter in the mailbox, it was something ...

Why don’t I get a response when I send out resumes for jobs I’m qualified for?

The days of sending in resumes by email are over. Actually, they were over before they began. Back when you physically put a letter in the mailbox, it was something someone had to open. Upon arrival, there was this intriguing, sealed, stamped envelope and, inside, a cover letter and resume awaited. Nowadays, hiring managers are flooded by emailed resumes and, unfortunately, the lazy person who wouldn’t spend the time to lick a stamp in the past, now joins the masses and easily applies electronically for positions they may not even be qualified for at the same time you’re applying. You’re going to need to do something unique or different. Drop off your resume in person, try mailing it the old way in a colored envelope, try sending a unique gift with your name on it with a resume inside. Creativity is key.

While emceeing the Big Apple Awards in New York City, I asked the woman handling the operation how she got her job. She said in college she cleaned rooms for money. Her hiring manager, impressed that a young college student cleaned rooms, gave her the job—even though she cleaned rooms for only one summer. Just goes to show you never know what’ll catch someone’s eye once they do see your resume.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/ask-anthony-take-make-resume-seen/feed/0Businesses See GDPR as an Opportunity to Improve Data Privacy and Securityhttp://lodgingmagazine.com/ibm-study-businesses-view-gdpr-opportunity-improve-data-privacy-security/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/ibm-study-businesses-view-gdpr-opportunity-improve-data-privacy-security/#respondTue, 22 May 2018 14:08:33 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=38316ARMONK, N.Y.—A new study from IBM reveals that nearly 60 percent of organizations surveyed are embracing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as an opportunity to improve privacy, security, data management, or as a catalyst for new business models, rather than simply a compliance issue or impediment. To reduce their exposure, the study indicated that the majority of companies are being more selective in the data they collect and manage, with 70 percent disposing of ...

]]>ARMONK, N.Y.—A new study from IBM reveals that nearly 60 percent of organizations surveyed are embracing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as an opportunity to improve privacy, security, data management, or as a catalyst for new business models, rather than simply a compliance issue or impediment.

To reduce their exposure, the study indicated that the majority of companies are being more selective in the data they collect and manage, with 70 percent disposing of data ahead of the deadline for compliance.

Companies’ preparation for GDPR comes in the wake of increased scrutiny from consumers on businesses’ management of personal data. A separate poll of 10,000 consumers, conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of IBM, found that only 20 percent of U.S. consumers completely trust organizations they interact with to maintain the privacy of their data.

In the weeks leading up to the May 25th enforcement date, IBM’s Institute for Business Value surveyed more than 1,500 business leaders responsible for GDPR compliance for organizations around the world. The results reveal how companies are approaching GDPR as an opportunity to build further trust with customers and help drive innovation. For instance, 84 percent of business leaders believe that proof of GDPR compliance will be seen as a positive differentiator to the public, and 76 percent said that GDPR will enable more trusted relationships with data subjects that will create new business opportunities.

Despite these opportunities, only 36 percent believe they will be fully compliant with GDPR by the May 25 deadline.

“GDPR will be one of the biggest disruptive forces impacting business models across industries–and its reach extends far beyond the EU borders,” says Cindy Compert, CTO, data security and privacy, IBM Security. “The onset of GDPR also comes during a time of huge distrust among consumers toward businesses ability to protect their personal data. These factors together have created a perfect storm for companies to rethink their approach to data responsibility and begin to restore the trust needed in today’s data-driven economy.”

Reduction of Data Collection and Storage

Another key finding of the study is that organizations are using GDPR as an opportunity to streamline their approach to data and reduce the overall amount of data they are managing. For many organizations, this means vastly cutting down on the amount of data they collect, store, and share. According to the new study, organizations reported taking the following actions in response to GDPR: 80 percent say they are cutting down on the amount of personal data they keep; 78 percent are reducing the number of people who have access to personal data; 70 percent are disposing of data that is no longer needed.

GDPR Challenges, Blind Spots, and Opportunities

The study found that the top challenges organizations are currently facing when it comes to GDPR compliance are finding personal data within their organizations (data discovery), ensuring the accuracy of the data they collect and store, as well as complying with rules for how data is analyzed and shared (data processing principals).

Other areas for concern included the handling of cross-border data transfers and getting consent from data subjects, as less than half of respondents said they were prepared for these aspects of GDPR.

One key element of GDPR includes the requirement for companies to report data breaches to regulators within 72 hours. However, the IBV study found that only 31 percent of companies have reexamined or modified their incident response plans to prepare for this requirement, representing a blindspot in companies’ overall approach to GDPR.

While challenges remain, a significant subset of companies surveyed (22 percent) are using GDPR as a fully transformational business opportunity for how they approach data responsibility and management. Of this subset: 93 percent have modified their incident response processes; 79 percent said they were prepared for performing data discovery and ensuring data accuracy; and 74 percent said they were fully implementing security and privacy by design for new products and services